EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I.—A Massachusetts man is facing misdemeanor animal cruelty charges in Rhode Island after officials say he acknowledged being the owner of a severely emaciated dog.
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East Providence police say 46-year-old Carlos Alvarez, of Rehoboth, is charged with unnecessary animal cruelty and animal abandonment. Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals President Dr. E.J. Finocchio says he met with Alvarez on Wednesday.
The agency found a severely emaciated poodle-terrier mix named Indi in a box outside their offices on July 4. Finocchio says the dog was left there by one of Alvarez’s associates.
Finocchio says Alvarez blamed the neglect on financial problems.
Finocchio says Alvaez may also face charges in Massachusetts. Officials there did not immediately return messages. A telephone number for Alvarez could not be located.
